scale length for each sitar string

[guitar344]

Does anyone happen to know the scale length for each string. Seems like the strings are tuned in different octaves. One of the sympathetic strings is tuned a step or two down from a violin hi e.

[catt]

By now, perhaps you've found the answers from google: the main strings over the frets are 88cm/34.5"" ... the sympathetics are arranged progressively along the neck yielding different lengths for each.

[guitar344]

https://stringedinstrumentdatabase.aornis.com/s.htm Scale length is 680mm to 870 mm. In inches 27 to 34 Tuning is F2,C2,G2,C2,G3,C4,C5. There is no way the C5 string is 34 inches,let alone 27. I'd imagine it being around 15 inches. What is the scale length of each of the sympathetic strings?

[Twin Six]

Because a sitar is generally made bespoke to fit a player's stature, not all sitars are a standard size. Also, sitar strings come in coils; you cut off as much of the appropriate string gauge as you need for each of the 20 strings and twist a loop into the end.

The entire instrument is tuned to a single key, with C# being standard, but it can also be tuned in the more guitar-friendly C (or D if your fingers are indestructible). The drone string is tuned to the tonic, the two bass strings to the tonic & 5th, the three rhythm strings are tuned to the tonic, 5th, and tonic high octave. The 13 sympathetic strings are tuned to the scale of whichever raga you're playing starting at the equivalent of middle C to the octave above.

[Don W]

Great to hear some talk about sitars. I own a Kanai Lal that I got from Lars J. on the west coast. I have taken (1) 8 hour "intensive" lesson up in Portland Maine where I learned how to tune, sit, etc. I love this instrument and have studied all of the books. Would love more beginers lessons from someone local to home in Mass. (Sharon Ma) I have my instrument tuned to C# Bhimpalasi. I don't play as much as I would like as it is getting hard to get up from the floor!!! Any info or tips on anything would be appreciated.

[Twin Six]

Great that you've got a good instrument and have learned the basics. Yeah, the sitting position is tough, and takes some getting used to. I'm having to do that all over again.

The most essential technique to learn early on is how to pick properly. For years I scrunched my fingers together and made tiny motions with a bent index finger. The best lesson I ever had was learning to pick by opening my whole hand, extending all my fingers straight out with each stroke. Picking this way gives you a more powerful & positive stroke while also keeping your hand relaxed. Very important also is only to hit the drone string on the up stroke, never on the down stroke.

It took a month of playing scales for hours a day until that got burned into muscle memory, but well worth it.

[Don W]

Originally Posted by Twin Six

Great that you've got a good instrument and have learned the basics. Yeah, the sitting position is tough, and takes some getting used to. I'm having to do that all over again.

The most essential technique to learn early on is how to pick properly. For years I scrunched my fingers together and made tiny motions with a bent index finger. The best lesson I ever had was learning to pick by opening my whole hand, extending all my fingers straight out with each stroke. Picking this way gives you a more powerful & positive stroke while also keeping your hand relaxed. Very important also is only to hit the drone string on the up stroke, never on the down stroke.

It took a month of playing scales for hours a day until that got burned into muscle memory, but well worth it.

Great tips...thank you so much. I am always searching for more tips and others that play sitar. I have had knee and hip replacements and sit a little weird using a tabla ring to set the instrument on instead of the foot. I use pillows to make other sitting adjustments. This works but getting up is tough. I may have to eventually find a way to sit with it in a wide chair or sofa??? Did you have trouble getting used to the mizrab in the begining? I love this instrument...always have. I saw Ravi Shankar play live here in Boston at a small venue. Absolutely mesmerizing. I bought a crappy sitar and tried to learn from books. I eventually sold it and then many years later bought a good instrument and learned some basics from that intense 8 hour lesson. Would love to have more instruction but the Boston - Maine commute is too much. Getting old is always a challenge but I try to adapt so I can continue with the things I love. Thanks again for the great tips.

[Twin Six]

Don W, we are both facing a similar situation regarding the sitting posture. Lyme disease ravaged my knees several years ago and had a knock-on effect on my right hip, so sitting properly for sitar is a bit of a challenge. It puts me off practice.

By happy accident, yesterday BBC 4 aired Anoushka Shankar at the BBC Proms, and she sat as if on a chair with feet on the floor and her sitar resting on a cushion. Good enough for Anoushka Shankar, good enough for us!

I have just briefly tried this by putting two chairs together and resting the sitar on one, and it works.

Incidentally, watching Anoushka Shankar's picking technique, you could see that all the power was moving through her forearm, not her wrist.

Where mizrabs are concerned, finding the ideal one takes some time even when your sitar maker hands you a shoebox full of them. I've got my one perfect fit and a couple of backups. Fortunately, they're nearly indestructible, and I'm not prone to losing things.

Incidentally also, I live in Midcoast Maine.

[Don W]

Great news to hear professionals finding alternative sitting methods. Definitely ready for this change. I hear you on the midrabs...I have a bag full and only a few are really a good fit. The most comfortable ones come off and most of the others seem too tight...Interesting...mid coast Maine. The guy I took the lesson from was in Portland ...David Pontbriand. He also had a Hiren Roy.